RecruitingInterventional

A study to evaluate whether power assisted exercise can help people living with stroke to improve their mobility and fitness

Exercising after a stroke can feel difficult and overwhelming. Many standard gyms have equipment that is hard to use, especially if you have muscle weakness, stiffness, or balance problems. This research study explores whether "power-assisted" exercise machines can help people living with the effects of a stroke. Power-assisted machines are motorized and gently guide your arms and legs through repetitive movements. They provide a helping hand so you can exercise without straining, all while seated comfortably. Participants will attend 16 supervised exercise sessions over eight weeks (two per week) at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre in Sheffield. Researchers will assess your mobility, general fitness, and everyday wellbeing before and after the programme to see if it helps. Travel arrangements and costs can be supported. The study is open to adults living at home who have had a stroke and are able to take a few steps.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2027

Stroke

What is this study about?

Regular physical activity is an important part of staying well and regaining independence after a stroke. However, many stroke survivors find standard leisure centres intimidating or impractical. Traditional gym equipment often requires high levels of strength and balance, which can leave people feeling excluded from exercise.

This study is testing a different approach called "power-assisted exercise." Unlike conventional equipment where you must push or pull heavy weights yourself, power-assisted machines are driven by electric motors. They gently move your arms and legs for you, or help you along if you have partial movement. Because you remain seated the entire time, you can exercise smoothly and safely without placing heavy strain on your joints or worrying about falling.

Researchers based at Sheffield Hallam University want to understand how this type of exercise affects mobility, fitness, and day-to-day confidence. By studying a group of stroke survivors over an eight-week programme, they hope to gather evidence that could help make power-assisted exercise widely available in community leisure centres across the UK.

Key takeaways

Tests gentle, motorized exercise machines designed for stroke survivors.
All exercises are performed sitting down in a supervised, supportive setting.
Runs for eight weeks, with two sessions per week (16 sessions total) in Sheffield.
Aimed at adults living at home who can stand and take a couple of steps.
Travel support is available, and participation is completely voluntary.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 and older who live at home and have had an ischaemic stroke (caused by a blood clot) or a haemorrhagic stroke (caused by a bleed in the brain). You can still take part if you have had more than one stroke. To join, you should be able to stand up and take a couple of steps, even if you need some help or use a walking stick.

The researchers are specifically looking for people who have some ongoing movement difficulties or need a bit of help with everyday tasks. However, it must be safe for you to exercise. You will not be able to join if you are currently staying in hospital for rehabilitation, or if you have an unstable heart condition or other medical issue that makes physical activity unsafe.

Before taking part, a stroke specialist physiotherapist will have a friendly conversation with you. They will check your medical history, discuss the programme, and ensure that you fully understand what the study involves before you decide whether to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

You are aged 18 or older and live at home.
You have had an ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke.
You have some mobility difficulties but can stand up and take a few steps.
You do not have a heart condition or health issue that prevents you from exercising.
You can travel to the research centre in Sheffield twice a week for eight weeks.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part lasts for about eight weeks. You will attend two exercise sessions each week at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre in Sheffield, adding up to 16 sessions in total. Each session is guided by trained staff and takes place on specialist seated machines. Before the programme begins, researchers will carry out gentle baseline checks on your walking, fitness, and quality of life, including a safety test to check your heart rate and blood pressure during light effort. These checks will be repeated at the end of the eight weeks to measure your progress. You do not need to take any new medications. Travel arrangements and travel expenses can be provided to help you attend your appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may help improve your physical stamina, mobility, and confidence, as well as giving you access to specialist exercise equipment in a friendly environment. As with any new workout routine, you might feel a bit more tired than usual or experience mild muscle aching afterwards. There is a very small risk of feeling dizzy or faint, but all sessions are closely monitored by trained professionals who can stop or adapt the exercises at any time. Taking part is entirely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any point without it affecting your normal medical care.

Locations (2)

Sheffield Hallam University
Approximate
Sheffield, England
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Sheffield, England

Common questions

Do I have to pay to take part in this study?

No, taking part is free, and the study team can help arrange and pay for your travel to the centre.

Can I take part if one side of my body is very weak?

Yes. The power-assisted machines are designed to gently guide your limbs through the movements, making them suitable even if you have weakness on one side.

Where do the exercise sessions take place?

All sessions are held at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre on the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park in Attercliffe, Sheffield.

Will taking part affect my regular stroke medications?

No, the study does not involve any medicines. You should continue to take all your prescribed treatments as normal.

What happens if I feel unwell during an exercise session?

Every session is supervised. Staff will pause the machine immediately, check your blood pressure and pulse, and make sure you are safe and comfortable.

How to find out more

Sarah Wilkinson

sarah.wilkinson71@nhs.net - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.